2026 Best Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs in Arizona

The University of Arizona's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid offering for registered nurses who already hold an MSN. This part-time, four-semester program blends online coursework with in-person campus experiences to build hands-on health assessment skills. Students complete 26 credits and 720 clinical hours, with tuition at $1,053 per credit. The curriculum focuses on advanced pediatric nursing, preparing graduates for roles caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Because admission requires a master's degree and the program is not offered every year, prospective students should contact the College of Nursing to confirm availability and state authorization before applying.

• 27 credits required
• $1053 per credit cost
• Four-semester part-time format
• Online and campus hybrid program
• 26 credits minimum requirement
• 720 clinical hours needed
• Requires MSN degree
• For working registered nurses
• Campus experiences complement online
• Health assessment skills training

Designed for MSN-prepared registered nurses, the University of Arizona's online Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate prepares students to deliver primary care across the lifespan. The part-time program spans four semesters and comprises 31 credits at $1,053 per credit. Coursework is delivered online but includes campus experiences for health assessment practice, along with a clinical residency. Students explore pharmacotherapeutics, women's health, pediatric assessment, and care of older adults while completing 810 clinical practica hours. Graduates are eligible for FNP national board certification. The program is not offered annually, so applicants should verify enrollment availability and state eligibility with the College of Nursing.

• 31 credits required.
• Cost per credit $1,053.
• Four-semester part-time program.
• Online with campus experiences.
• Requires Master of Science in Nursing.
• Eligible for FNP board certification.
• Includes clinical residency course.
• Covers pediatric health assessment.
• Focuses on primary care management.
• Addresses women's health topics.

The University of Arizona offers an online Graduate Certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, built for working RNs with a master's degree. Over four part-time semesters, students earn 30 credits at $1,053 per credit, including 765 clinical practicum hours. The curriculum blends online coursework with campus-based health assessment sessions and covers advanced psychiatric theories, research, and lifespan practice. Graduates are prepared to sit for the PMHNP national board certification. Because the certificate is not offered every year and admission requires a Master of Science in Nursing, interested nurses should check with the College of Nursing for the latest schedule and application requirements.

• Online Graduate Certificate program.
• Four-semester, part-time format.
• 30 credits required.
• Cost per credit: $1,053.00.
• Designed for working registered nurses.
• Campus experiences complement online content.
• Focus on health assessment skills.
• Covers advanced psychiatric nursing theories.
• Emphasis on research and practice.
• Practice across the lifespan.

University of Arizona's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program for MSN-prepared RNs with acute care experience. The four-semester, part-time curriculum requires 30 credits at $1,053 per credit and 810 clinical hours. Online coursework is paired with a campus Clinical Skills Intensive, covering advanced health assessment, pharmacology, cardiac rhythm analysis, and management of acute and chronic conditions in adults and older adults. Graduates are eligible for national board certification. Applicants should note the program is not offered every year and must confirm availability and state authorization with the College of Nursing before applying.

• Four-semester part-time program.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• 30 credits required.
• $1,053 per credit cost.
• 810 clinical hours needed.
• Master of Science in nursing required.
• RN acute care experience needed.
• Prepares for national board certification.
• Includes Clinical Skills Intensive on campus.
• Focuses on adult-gerontology acute care.

Arizona State University's online Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings Graduate Certificate offers a flexible pathway for nurses with master's degrees to become educators. The 15-credit curriculum spans five courses covering curriculum creation, course design, and program evaluation. Courses run 7.5–15 weeks each. No thesis or capstone is required. The program does not require an entrance exam; admission requires a 3.0 GPA and accepts applicants from any master's field. RN licensure is not needed for admission, but is required for clinical practicums. Faculty include award-winning scholars such as Fulbright recipients. Financial aid is available. The certificate does not indicate 'online,' just Arizona State University.

• 7.5–15 weeks program
• 15 total credit hours
• 5 total courses
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 0 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 0 clinical hours
• No thesis or capstone required
• $0 application fee
• Financial aid available
• Curriculum creation and program evaluation

This hybrid Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate from Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation prepares nurses for advanced pediatric practice. The program blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, giving students hands-on training with children and families. Applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing and an active RN license. No entrance exam is required. The curriculum emphasizes primary care, health promotion, and disease management across pediatric populations. Graduates are equipped for roles in clinics, hospitals, and community settings, advancing their careers in pediatric healthcare. This certificate offers specialized education without a thesis requirement, making it an efficient path for experienced nurses seeking enhanced clinical skills and professional growth.

• Graduate certificate program
• Primary care pediatric focus
• Hybrid online and in-person format
• Requires master's degree in nursing
• Current RN licensure needed
• Advanced pediatric care training
• Clinical experience component
• Career advancement for nurses
• Specialized pediatric healthcare education
• Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate at Arizona State University is a 28-credit hybrid program designed for board-certified nurses seeking to provide holistic mental health care across the lifespan. It includes 585 clinical hours completed in Maricopa County, with opportunities in underserved areas. The hybrid format requires occasional campus visits. Admission requires a master's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure. No admission exams are required, but an interview, professional letters, background check, and English proficiency proof are part of the process. Coursework includes pharmacology and evidence-based care, tailored to individual study plans. Financial aid is available. The program is accredited by HLC and opens diverse career opportunities in mental health settings.

• 28 credit hours
• 585 clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Requires campus visits
• For board-certified nurses
• Master's degree required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• RN license needed
• Clinical in Maricopa County
• Focus on evidence-based care

Grand Canyon University delivers an online post-master's certificate for nurses with an MSN seeking adult-gerontology acute care specialization. This 37-credit program emphasizes management of chronic and critical conditions, integrating 750 clinical practice hours and two on-campus simulation intensives. With 16-week online terms, tuition is $750 per credit, and up to 12 credits can transfer in. Graduates are prepared for national certification as acute care nurse practitioners. Admission requires a master's in nursing; the program does not list the GRE or other entrance exams among its requirements. The university is recognized as military friendly.

• 37 credits required
• Online tuition $750 per credit
• 750 clinical practice hours
• Two on-campus experiences
• 16-week online course terms
• Focus on adult-gerontology acute care
• Prepares for national certification exams
• Available in multiple states
• Transfer up to 12 credits
• Master's degree required for admission

Northern Arizona University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a post-master's program delivered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person or clinical experiences. Designed for working nurses, this CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on advanced mental health care, preparing students for certification and practice. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing and an unencumbered RN license. The program emphasizes culturally responsive care, rural and underserved communities, and includes clinical training and simulation labs. Flexible scheduling and academic advising support career advancement. No entrance exam requirement is explicitly stated.

• Graduate certificate program.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Online delivery format.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Requires master's degree.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• Part of graduate degrees.
• Advanced practice training.
• Focus on mental health care.
• Prepares for certification.